Phillips (thumb) could be activated from the DL as soon as Monday, John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Everything will hinge on how Phillips fares while on rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville this weekend, but he at least has a chance to return for Monday's series opener in St. Louis. Keep in mind Phillips is still just five weeks removed from surgery, so it may take him a while yet to regain full strength in the thumb.

Phillips (thumb) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Friday, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. It was first feared that Phillips would miss 8-to-12 weeks after tearing a ligament in his thumb July 9, but it's now looking like he may even beat the revised six-week timetable. Phillips took batting practice on the field prior to Tuesday's game and is slated to join the team's top minor league affiliate in Louisville. A return early-to-mid next week is at least within the realm of possibility.

Phillips (thumb) could being a rehab assignment Friday at either Triple-A Louisville or Low-A Dayton, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enqurer reports. Phillips took part in batting practice with the Reds on Tuesday, making the second step towards a return to the field. He will likely require a rehab assignment before rejoining the squad.

Reds manager Bryan Price said Tuesday that he's optimistic Phillips (thumb) will get into rehab games before the minor league seasons end, C. Trent Rosecrans of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Phillips just received clearance to take swings off a tee last Thursday but he took the next step Tuesday, advancing to on-field batting practice. Fielding is still the biggest concern for the Reds, as Phillips still is yet to field grounders with a normal glove, so a rehab assignment may not necessarily be imminent. That said, it does sound like Phillips will be able to return to game action before the end of the month.

Phillips (thumb) has been cleared to swing a bat, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. The surgeon who repaired Phillips' torn thumb tendon examined the 33-year-old on Thursday and gave him clearance to resume swinging. Trainer Paul Lessard said Phillips took some swings off a tee later in the day, but stressed that his concern is more with Phillips in the field. The four-time Gold Glover remains limited to taking groundballs with a flat glove, but regardless, he appears on track to beat his six-week estimated recovery timetable.

Phillips (thumb) has progressed from fielding grounders with a flat glove to using a standard glove that allows him to shut the glove. Phillips' next step will be to hold a bat, which will be roughly in a week. "I couldn't give you even a proximity on when that's going to be," Price said on Wednesday. "But I don't think we're that far away. [Phillips] is going to see his hand doctor here maybe tomorrow, I believe, and I think that will probably go a long way to maybe setting a date or having a better idea on when he might start swinging the bat."

Brandon Phillips (thumb) did some throwing on Monday. "He was able to throw. Obviously, he was not able to catch the ball," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "And he's able to do some movement with his hand a lot more comfortably. It's still on schedule but still a ways away." Phillips is expected to be sidelined until late August following left thumb surgery.

Reds placed 2B Brandon Phillips on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 10, with a torn ligament in his left thumb. Phillips will undergo surgery and is expected to be sidelined around six weeks. Ramon Santiago is at second base for the Reds Friday and should see the bulk of the starts there unless the club acquires someone that's currently outside the organization.

Brandon Phillips will undergo left thumb surgery and is expected to miss around six weeks. The exact nature of the injury isn't yet known, but it's apparently not as serious as Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, who is expected to miss 8-12 weeks following thumb surgery. The Reds figure to look to Ramon Santiago as their primary second baseman for now.

Brandon Phillips has been diagnosed with a torn ligament in his left thumb and will undergo surgery. A brutal day for two teams in the National League Central. Similar to Yadier Molina, Phillips will likely be sidelined for 8-12 weeks. Ramon Santiago figures to fill in at second base for now, but the Reds will likely look to the trade market as they attempt to make due without him.